Gas costs rising, painful spring price spikes ahead

10:49 AM,
Apr. 5, 2014

Pump prices in California and other states are surging and refining and ethanol costs rise.

Written by

Gary Strauss
USA TODAY

Gasoline prices are making their annual spring climb. But Californians may see some especially painful spikes this weekend.

Nationally, gasoline averages $3.55 a gallon, up from a 2013 low of about $3.18. But in California - now averaging $4.01 a gallon after a 35-cent jump in wholesale prices since mid-March - prices could hit up to $4.25 within days.